Day 18 - Sights of 3 Gorges Dams

This morning is the earliest I've ever woke up to! I've only slept for 1 hour because I had been staying awake through the night with my friends so that we could sleep on the 6-hour bus ride to Yi Chang. We gathered and left school at 7am. After which, we had a fine lunch followed by a glimpse of the 3 Gorges. The fun-filled day ended at 11pm where we finally boarded the 2-night cruise.


Lunch
After a long 4-hour ride, we stopped at a restaurant for a scrumptious meal. Our legs were cramped up from the ride and also needed a stretch!


Group Photo
After a further two hour drive, we stopped at a park for some sight-seeing.


Dump Truck
This is an old DAC 120 DE Earth-hauling dump truck in China. It us used for transporting sand and gravel for construction. The rear is equipped with a hydraulically operated open-box which can be lifted up to allow the sand or gravel to be deposited on the ground. It is amazing to see a mega vehicle in front of me! Especially when my height is only up to its tires. I wonder how many thousand tons of cargo this dump truck can lift!



Leap of Faith
Moving on, we hiked up the stairs till we reached a place of scenic view. And we could see one of the 3 Gorges from here!


Flexibility
We comtinued walking along the park, and my hungry friends were queuing for food such as corn, chicken wing, sausages, etc.. Over the railings of the park was a 60-meter drop to the waters. I saw a small fishing boat, which means there are fishes in the 3 Gorges dams!


Ship Lock
This is a ship lock device used for raising and lowering boats between different water level heights. It is very helpful as it makes a river more navigable and to allow a direct line across country that is not level. The main gate in front (picture above) will open to allow water to flood the lower lock, thereby causing the ship to rise.


3 Gorges
Behind me is a huge dam of the 3 Gorges. I've only seen pictures of a dam, but never expected the dam to be so MEGA SIZED! Of course, the tall structure has to contain large volumes of waters, and thus the walls have to be thick.


Cruise Control
After sight-seeing for the day, we had a delicious meal of dinner on the cruise. It wasn't exactly what I've expected of, a large cruise ship (similar to Star Virgo), state of the art facilities, proper toilet functions, clean and comfortable rooms, etc..


Room
The room had a standard 2-bed, work desk, and television as entertainment. Fortunately for my room, I didn't suffer the mishaps of having pest control. Other rooms had mice running around, cockroaches on walls, and insects flying around. I also brought a fishing rod to test their waters!

REFLECTIONS

The 3 Gorges dam is a hydroelectirc dam which generates electricity. Due to its mega size, large volumes of water flows through the generators which makes it the world's largest electricity-generating plant of any kind. This is an environmentally friendly way of producing energy for the country, as coal-fired power stations causes pollution to the environment. In addition, the unbelievable construction of the 3 Gorges makes it a great place for tourist attactions, as I've seen many caucasians sight-seeing.

One thing about China is, "Expect the Unexpected". It is good to have something and not need it rather than to need something and not have it. I expected a good cruise, but turned out to be much lower than expected. However, I was prepared for it. I heard that towels would be provided, but NO! Thankfully, I brought my own.

Most importantly, I appreciate that the best cruise available was given to us. I learn something from that experience, and gone through the two nights with ease. This comes to show that Singapore shows great passion and ensures excellent customer service in all sectors of work. One won't expect to see pests in their accomodation in Singapore. But I've adapted to China's culture and have more or less got used to it!


As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
-John F. Kennedy